Jury Discharged in Former Head Teacher’s Trial; Rescheduled for 2025

The jury in the trial of a former head teacher and his ex-wife, who are accused of sexually abusing two children, has been discharged. Lee Brumby, 63, and Elaine Brumby, 61, were on trial at Basildon Crown Court in Essex when the proceedings were halted on Monday. Mr. Brumby, of Wellands in Witham, was suspended from Mayflower High School in Billericay in 2022 when the allegations, which predated his employment at the school, came to light. The trial was suspended due to administrative difficulties, and a new date has been set for July 2025. In November 2022, Mr. Brumby denied three offences of rape of a child, two counts of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child, and indecency with a child. Mrs. Brumby, residing at Kiln Way, Great Wakering, denied four offences of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child, causing a child to engage in sexual activity, and sexual assault.